Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So I'm a little frustrated. I'm sick of people getting a snake, and deciding to breed it just because they have it and got excited when they saw others selling morphs for big money. They think if they breed their "Petco Normal", they are going to make the big bucks. Below, there was a debate about why the prices are going down. One reason is everyone who buys a snake and his brother is trying to breed them. I see animals on these classifieds who have been on there for MONTHS!!!

Don't get me wrong. I am a hobbyist and I intend to breed a couple of my snakes. However, I got my first Ball Feruary of 2008. I've spent well over a year studying them and deciding if I want to breed and what to breed. It will probably be another year or two before I even get my first clutch.

I guess I'm saying, we should be recommending to these newbies to spend some time. I see people selling off their entire collection that they dumped a ton of money into just because the "fever" wore off. Maybe they should have taken some time to think it through and decide responibly before they bred. Anyway, let me know what you think.

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Jared

"Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves." Matthew 10:16

I'd say ranting isn't going to solve the problem. If this is how you feel, that's reasonable. Give "newbies" the advice you think they should have. That is why they come here, for help.

However, I would caution against becoming confrontational. I belong to several forums for several different species and I have to say: It is incredibly refreshing to belong to community of people as supportive of new endeavors as this one is. I don't feel like a moron for asking questions here.

And remember, that "Pet Co" animal is important to someone. That newbie might have bought that BP because they fell in love with it, which is a quality we should encourage. If you want to encourage the general public to purchase higher quality snakes from professional breeders, start advertising. I bet most people don't even realize there ARE private breeders.
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1.1 ball pythons
1.1 kingsnakes
0.1 crazy cat
?.? ASFs
1.0 husband

It's not that I'm trying to get people to buy high end animals. I just think that if you go buy an animal on a whim at a pet store, don't get too excited about breeding it right away. Take some time and think it through. I will encourage and teach others when I can, however, one thing I teach those I sell rodents to and when I sell snakes is to be responsible with your breeding and learn a lot first. It scares me when I see posts of people who ask things like, “My snake just laid eggs. What do I do now?” What the heck???? That's something they should have learned before they even put the two parents together. All I'm saying is, be prepared before you do it.

Overpopulation in snakes happens too. Its no different than breeding puppies or cats. When it comes to normal morphs like ball s and corns you can find them for adoption everywhere so why create more by breeding them.

Also being prepared and knowing what to expect is essential. Breeding is not always easy. Despite all the warnings I started on grey bands and those hatchling just do not eat. I had been warned going in, but never considered it as much until I had to feed them all myself. It took a litte time to really find my grove at scenting and all that fun stuff.

As for balls, I am not too big a fan but I think it would be cool to breed some albinos out of hets so that is what I am trying. So I am on this forum asking newbie questions about balls, so don't judge too fast and please answer my questions.

I'm not judging someone like you. You know what you want and you are working towards it. I commend you on that. I have a hard time however when I read, "I just got a normal at Petco. What should I breed it to?"

I personally love Lucies. So I bought a mojave and am saving for a Lesser this fall. Then it will be probaly another two years before I get one. That's ok. It gives me time to build a proper incubator and get ready for babies.

IF it ever stops raining around here...you can make enough money for a lesser cutting grass....in one day.....

......good luck.....!

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I hear ya, keep in mind that all those that get into it just for the god damn money, give up and move on after a short few years.

Those of us that have the passion way above any monatery value for our captives will still be here in 10 years

"I got my first Ball Feruary of 2008. I've spent well over a year studying them"

you are a newbie.....
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0.1 Ball Python
1.0 Mex Mex
1.1 MBK
1.1 Nelsons Milk

I never said I wasn't.

First off I would like to say that dealing with a couple reptiles for a year by no means makes you an expert. I have been working with reptiles for over 15 years and I still consider myself an amateur. I have never breed any of my snakes and don't know if I ever will. I never got into this for money. I actually started with a Ball Python because I was scared of snakes. After a short time of learning about them I became fascinated with them. I have done everything from going to the pet store when I was new to buying from breeders to rescuing reptiles that have been mistreated and not wanted anymore. I agree with the fact that people need to learn about their pets before they start trying to breed though. The best thing to do when working with the new guys and gals is to build their trust so they will listen to you and then help guide them in the right direction. I truly believe that with a little guidance they may come around. But then again if they don't, getting mad and ranting about it will not help. If anything it may make it harder to get people to listen. Sorry this is just my 2cents worth. Have a great day.
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Dragonmwt

1.1.0 Normal Burmese Python
1.0.0 Albino Burmese Python
1.0.0 Granite Burmese Python
0.1.0 Labyrinth Burmese Python
1.1.0 Red Tail Boa
1.1.0 Ball Python
1.0.0 Speckled Caiman
1.0.0 Bearded Dragon
0.0.5 Red Eared Slider Turtles
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2.1.0 American Staffordshire (Pit Bull)
1.0.0 Lavender Albino Retic